In November 2008, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon) came under fire for its position against gay marriage. Since then, many people have misinterpreted the church's official position on homosexuality as one of anti-gay hatred or bigotry.
Understanding Mormon Beliefs about Homosexuality
In order to fully understand the Mormon position on gay and lesbian relationships, one must first understand three core values of the LDS church concerning the family and sexual relationships. As Latter-day Saints see it:
- Marriage is an institution designed by God to be between a man and a woman.
- God's plan for sexual intimacy, called the law of chastity, precludes any and all sexual relationships outside of marriage.
- Though sex is appropriately used to express love within marriage, its primary function is as a procreative power. Misusing this God-given gift and responsibility is a serious sin for Mormons.
Mormons believe that the ultimate plan of God is for all humankind to build families and to return to Him together in heaven.
Mormon Position on Gay and Lesbian Relationships
The official position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that homosexual relationships are not in line with God's plan for His children. Homosexual behavior is considered to be a serious sin by Mormons.
Many critics of the LDS church neglect to mention, however, that Mormons differentiate between homosexual feelings and behavior. Homosexual feelings may not be chosen, but acting upon them is always a choice. Therefore, it is the actions and not the inclinations that constitute sexual sin, according to the LDS church.
Do Mormons Believe Homosexuality is a Choice?
People can debate whether homosexuality is a choice or a genetic predisposition, but the LDS church says that whatever the case, it doesn't matter. Mormonism says that regardless of the reason, feelings of same-sex attraction are present in certain individuals, and an individual has the choice as to whether they act upon that inclination.
LDS Views on Overcoming Same-Sex Attraction
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sees homosexual inclinations as a challenge to be overcome rather than a prescription for the way a person has to live his or her life.
Mormons believe that the point of the gospel is to practice self-mastery over personal weaknesses and temptations (including same gender attraction) in order to conform to the gospel plan. Setting the example of submission to God's will, Jesus prayed in Gethsemane as He suffered: "Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matthew 26:3.)
If Homosexual Inclinations Can't Be Overcome
What if an individual absolutely cannot overcome same-sex attraction and in good conscience thrive in a heterosexual marriage? Former church president Gordon B. Hinckley taught that "marriage should not be viewed as a therapeutic step to solve problems such as homosexual inclinations or practices."
Just like heterosexual individuals who never marry, those who cannot overcome homosexual feelings are counseled to maintain the law of chastity and remain celibate.
Tips for Mormons Dealing with Same Gender Attraction
The LDS church counsels Mormons struggling with same sex attraction to talk to their bishop. Part of a bishop's job is to help members who are having personal difficulties. Individuals can also:
- Read God Loveth His Children, a booklet from the First Presidency written for Mormons dealing with same gender attraction.
- Attempt to control their thoughts. This includes not indulging in fantasies, media, or behavior that encourages the homosexual urges.
- Avoid defining themselves solely in terms of their sexuality. Church leader Jeffrey R. Holland says, "You serve yourself poorly when you identify yourself primarily by your sexual feelings. That isn’t your only characteristic, so don’t give it disproportionate attention. You are first and foremost a son [or daughter] of God, and He loves you." In other words, people should not place their personal romantic and sexual feelings above their commitment to keeping the commandments of God.
Mormon Attitudes Toward Homosexuals
Mormons believe that all people are children of God. As their father, God loves all people unequivocally. As spiritual brothers and sisters, all mankind should also love each other unequivocally.
The LDS church views homosexual behavior as a sin, but that doesn't mean God doesn't love anyone with same-sex attraction nor does it give others license to judge or hate.
Mormon Church Discipline for Gay or Lesbian Behavior
Excommunication is very rare in the LDS church. It is reserved mostly for instances of Mormons who have been to the temple and made sacred covenants with God there, who have then blatantly broken those covenants and remain unrepentant of having done so.
In the temple, Mormons promise God that they will obey the law of chastity. Unrepentant individuals who have made and then broken this covenant (whether by a heterosexual or homosexual relationship) may be excommunicated.
While experiencing same gender attraction in itself isn't a sin, the LDS church considers homosexual behavior a serious sin. Mormon individuals are counseled to take necessary steps to deal with their feelings in an appropriate way in keeping with the law of chastity and the Lord's plan for families.
Sources:
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, God Loveth His Children. Intellectual Reserve: 2007.
- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Helping Those Who Struggle With Same Gender Attraction." Ensign, October 2007.
- Gordon B. Hinckley, “Reverence and Morality." Ensign, May 1987.
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